Reginald Blount- Duval District 5
1. Please share your thoughts related to the importance of the school library/media center and the role of a certified, trained librarian/media specialist in schools.
This is a vital replaceable tool that all schools should have. AT or Computers cannot replace a qualified librarian as well as written language.
2. Florida school libraries/media centers have always supported parents' rights to direct their students' education. How would you balance parental rights and student access to library materials, especially given that some books trigger different reactions among parents, all of whom deserve rights?
As a school board member, ensuring a conducive learning environment for all students is paramount. Central to this mission is the exclusion of adult content literature from our schools, as it can distract from the core mission of providing foundational education and preparing children for the complexities of society. The school librarian is the gatekeeper to what content is being brought into the school. They should have a clear understanding of parental rights and policies when it comes to content that may be harmful to young students. Our focus must remain steadfast on basic education, equipping students with essential skills and knowledge necessary for their academic and personal development. While recognizing the importance of social sciences, including advanced topics like sex education, it is crucial to acknowledge that such content may not be suitable for younger students. These decisions are best left in the capable hands of parents, who are the primary educators and guardians of their children's upbringing and values. By maintaining a clear distinction and respect for parental rights in educational decisions, we uphold the principles of local governance and empower families to make informed choices regarding their children's educational journey. This approach ensures that our schools remain centers of learning that prioritize academic excellence while respecting the diverse values and beliefs within our community.
3. Students have access to reading material through captive classroom instruction, read-alouds and novel studies, as well as through self-selection in libraries where they choose their own book. How would you differentiate between the appropriateness of reading material in a captive classroom vs. self-selection in the school library?
Addressing the challenge of monitoring and managing appropriate content in educational settings and society requires a thoughtful approach. As a school board member, I recognize the complexities involved in monitoring and regulating content accessibility, especially concerning what is appropriate or inappropriate for students. In our modern society, it is crucial that we collectively identify and label content to ensure clarity and accountability and who has access. Just as we have safeguards in place to prevent children from driving, establishing credit, or making significant purchases, we must similarly manage access to content that may be deemed harmful or inappropriate. By implementing clear guidelines and standards for content labeling, we can empower educators, parents, and guardians to make informed decisions about what is suitable for children at various developmental stages and require schools to monitor what is coming into the schools and who has access.
4. As written in Florida House Bill 1069, “Parents shall have the right to read passages from any material that is subject to an objection. If the school board denies a parent the right to read passages due to content" deemed unsuitable as defined in the bill, the school district must discontinue use of the material. If a reader is denied, explain why you would interpret the law by supporting or opposing a fair and public review of the book, as outlined in each district's objection policy.
The interpretation of Florida House Bill 1069 regarding parental rights and objections to educational material hinges on whether to support or oppose a fair and public review process, as outlined in each district's objection policy. The bill affirms parents' rights to read passages from any objected material, with discontinuation required if denied based on content deemed unsuitable. If the material being read is offensive, then school officials should be held accountable for allowing offensive material into the schools.
This is a vital replaceable tool that all schools should have. AT or Computers cannot replace a qualified librarian as well as written language.
2. Florida school libraries/media centers have always supported parents' rights to direct their students' education. How would you balance parental rights and student access to library materials, especially given that some books trigger different reactions among parents, all of whom deserve rights?
As a school board member, ensuring a conducive learning environment for all students is paramount. Central to this mission is the exclusion of adult content literature from our schools, as it can distract from the core mission of providing foundational education and preparing children for the complexities of society. The school librarian is the gatekeeper to what content is being brought into the school. They should have a clear understanding of parental rights and policies when it comes to content that may be harmful to young students. Our focus must remain steadfast on basic education, equipping students with essential skills and knowledge necessary for their academic and personal development. While recognizing the importance of social sciences, including advanced topics like sex education, it is crucial to acknowledge that such content may not be suitable for younger students. These decisions are best left in the capable hands of parents, who are the primary educators and guardians of their children's upbringing and values. By maintaining a clear distinction and respect for parental rights in educational decisions, we uphold the principles of local governance and empower families to make informed choices regarding their children's educational journey. This approach ensures that our schools remain centers of learning that prioritize academic excellence while respecting the diverse values and beliefs within our community.
3. Students have access to reading material through captive classroom instruction, read-alouds and novel studies, as well as through self-selection in libraries where they choose their own book. How would you differentiate between the appropriateness of reading material in a captive classroom vs. self-selection in the school library?
Addressing the challenge of monitoring and managing appropriate content in educational settings and society requires a thoughtful approach. As a school board member, I recognize the complexities involved in monitoring and regulating content accessibility, especially concerning what is appropriate or inappropriate for students. In our modern society, it is crucial that we collectively identify and label content to ensure clarity and accountability and who has access. Just as we have safeguards in place to prevent children from driving, establishing credit, or making significant purchases, we must similarly manage access to content that may be deemed harmful or inappropriate. By implementing clear guidelines and standards for content labeling, we can empower educators, parents, and guardians to make informed decisions about what is suitable for children at various developmental stages and require schools to monitor what is coming into the schools and who has access.
4. As written in Florida House Bill 1069, “Parents shall have the right to read passages from any material that is subject to an objection. If the school board denies a parent the right to read passages due to content" deemed unsuitable as defined in the bill, the school district must discontinue use of the material. If a reader is denied, explain why you would interpret the law by supporting or opposing a fair and public review of the book, as outlined in each district's objection policy.
The interpretation of Florida House Bill 1069 regarding parental rights and objections to educational material hinges on whether to support or oppose a fair and public review process, as outlined in each district's objection policy. The bill affirms parents' rights to read passages from any objected material, with discontinuation required if denied based on content deemed unsuitable. If the material being read is offensive, then school officials should be held accountable for allowing offensive material into the schools.